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Calif. sex offender arraigned in child porn case

Published On: Apr 24 2013 09:36:51 PM PDT

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. -

Prosecutors say a convicted sex offender is jailed as a flight risk after appearing in federal court to face charges that he tried to entice what he thought was a 14-year-old girl into producing child pornography.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's office in Sacramento says 41-year-old Gene Wayne Harris, of Mammoth Lakes, remains in custody after he pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of attempted production of child pornography and attempted enticement of a minor.

Spokeswoman Lauren Horwood says Harris was arrested after communicating with an 18-year-old woman, who told Harris she was 14.

Prosecutors say Harris -- a registered sex offender with a previous conviction for sexual battery -- is facing a minimum 10-year prison sentence and up to life in prison, if convicted.

His attorney, Michael Petrik, could not be reached for comment.

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